Disclaimer: None of the characters that you recognize belong to me, although I wish that they did. They were all invented by the genius of literature, J.R.R. Tolkien. Except the one's you don't recognize. I'm going to try my VERY hardest not to make this a Mary-Sue, but, alas, it looks as though it will turn out that way, but maybe a TINY bit less Mary-Sueish then you're used to. But if a story turns out with a happy ending, isn't that a bit Sue-ish? I hate sad endings, so I won't ever write a story with one, don't worry. Please, if you review, no flames. Just compliments (Just kidding! I'm so humble aren't I?), and constructive criticism, heavy onthe "constructive", light on the "criticism"... After all, this is my first story (keep that in mind), and you wouldn't want me to be discouraged from writing stories forever, would you? On with the story!
After the Fact
Chapter 1: Imperfect
A tear rolled down my face as I stared out to the sea, towards the Shire. Thinking of what I missed out on when I decided to leave Middle Earth always did this to me. After a while, I'd come to my senses, and remember that it wasn't really my choice, it had to happen. If I hadn't left, I would have wasted away, so leaving was the best and only option for me. After a short while, I could usually get up, dry my face, and walk away. But sometimes, like now, it took a little longer.
I have always wished I had someone to love me, like Sam has Rosie, and, no doubt, by now, Merry and Pippin have someone too. Ah well, some things, I suppose are not meant to be. It can be hard, you know, to live among the immortal youth and beauty of the elves. But now, I suppose, I too am immortal, but certainly not beautiful! Some of the lasses at the Shire thought I was good looking surely, I think; for more than a few have asked me to dance many a Midsummer's Eve festival. But none of them thought me beautiful! Hopefully not, at least! I laughed as I thought of that, for though all of them vied for my heart, not a one of them won it.
They were all the same to me: perfect. All had short, curly, brown hair, hazel eyes, and a sprinkling of freckles across their nose. All loved cooking, and cleaning, and taking care of their families. They enjoyed domestic things obviously, openly, but as soon as I would bring up the topic of adventure, and far away lands, they would change the subject. I have certainly had enough adventure as I could ever want or need, even if the most exciting thing in their lives is saving a burning pie, or chasing a spider out of the kitchen. The thought amuses me. Why haven't I ever met a young hobbit-lass who enjoys things worth enjoying? Climbing trees, excitement, books, learning, or anything like that? Why must they all be perfectly normal and perfectly dull?
Merry told me Eowyn is like that. The exciting girl, not the dull one. I wonder if she's the only one like that in the world? I would like to meet a girl with midnight black hair, as some of the elves have, but not perfectly straight and neat. Flyaway, with some waves and curls in it. And not rose-petal skin either! Arwen was very nice, but she was afraid to get out in the sun for fear it would freckle her perfect complexion. I didn't know elves could have freckles… I would want a girl who spends all her time outside on the beach, in the bright sunlight, her skin tan, to prove it.
Calluses on her hands, to show she's not afraid to work hard. A bright, sunny smile, to show she's mischievous. And a musical laugh, to show she's not afraid of who she is. Yes, that would be my perfect girl: Tall, but not too tall, messy, raven-wing's black hair, with sun-streaks, tanned skin, callused hands, and eyes the color of the sea in it's many forms and moods. I might as well dream about her, because as sure as I'll see the sun first thing tomorrow, she does not exist, at least not in this world. I wish I had someone imperfect.